a peek at our old house

We have moved 7 times in 13 years. I know there are many of you out there who would say that was a piece of cake--but 7 times sure seemed like a lot to me. The last house we lived in-- the one we were in for 7 years-- was probably my favorite (besides our home now, of course!). My family grew from 1 to 4 boys there. I started our homeschool journey there. We made some great friends and some great memories. It was a very well-loved 1,250 square feet.

We had the house built, and were therefore able to pick our colors, finishes, etc.. However, we thought we'd only live there a few years, and so we went overly neutral and safe with everything. After 3 years, and a career change, we knew we'd be staying put longer than expected, and decided to make the house look a little more like us (o.k.--a little more like ME, but my husband did a lot of the labor anyway :)!).

I took numerous pictures of that house. I'd style it all up when the kids were at grandma's and shoot photos fit for magazines. Except that I did it all with the non-digital SLR--because I thought it was silly to store pictures on the computer where they had the potential of crashing into oblivion. So, I need to get to the scanner at my husband's office to get them on here. However, I did find a few decent ones to show you NOW. They've got people and birthday parties and such going on in them--but you can still gleen some design inspiration I think.

Here was our kitchen. I loved this kitchen. The cupboards use to be that standard builder oak with brass handles. It took me 3 months, but I painted all of 'em! We also wrapped the island in beadboard and had the Napoleon Brown Marble counter and backsplash installed right over the old counters (after roughing them up with a belt sander!). I think this was Ethan's birthday....

These doors use to be solid. We cut out the middles, added the new knobs, and stapled in hardware cloth. It's only $5 a roll and gives it a great farmhouse look.
Here's Brad feeding Liam--but you can also see a close up of the counters and backsplash. We added the little beadboard cap that runs along the tile--it was a great way to not have to do so much trimwork with the paint between the tiles and cupboards.
Here was our dining room. I loved our floors so much(Mannington's Distressed Heart Pine) that I put the same ones in our current home. See the texture on the walls? I wanted it to look like a subtle stucco. That finish ran through here and the living room. It took me 26 hours of painting (off and on of course!) to give it that look. I was really channeling that Italian Country Farmhouse look--and this fit the bill perfectly. It involves a lot of blending paint, but if any of you are interested in how to do it--let me know and I'll give you directions.* I also think hanging a mantle shelf on your wall is a great way to make up for the fact that you don't have a fireplace to decorate up! *And just to brag a little bit--my hubby and I made that table!
And look at our room! The vinyl letter woman wasn't sure she could make the wording as big as I wanted, but was willing to give it a try--as long as I paid for it regardless of it turning out right or not. There was a lot of holding our breath as we applied it, then peeled off the backing--but it turned out EXACTLY how I wanted it too. I would have ordered them again for this house, but the vinyl letter lady had moved and I couldn't find another who could do them this big. At least I have my picture!

I think a home is always a work in progress and would be really boring if you ever really got "done". What do you think?!